Reusable parts include items such as the periscope and some piping and electrical systems, yard spokeswoman Jerri Fuller Dickseski said.

The yard got a $11.9 million planning contract for the job in August.

The Narwhal, which returned from its 17th and final deployment in November, was towed into Newport News Shipbuilding from Norfolk Naval Base on Monday. "We're very pleased to have the ship here, as it continues the growth of our submarine program," Dickseski said.

It's the yard's first sub deactivation since 1990.

The yard is building its first sub since the USS Cheyenne, SSN-773, which was commissioned in 1996. The new sub, the Virginia, is one of four New Attack Submarines that the Navy is buying from the yard and its sub-construction partner, Electric Boat.

EB built the Narwhal and delivered it in 1969.

Vessel number SSN-671, the Narwhal has a one-of-a-kind reactor and was outfitted for special operations.

The yard expects to complete the Narwhal job in April 2000. The work involves preparing the sub for towing to its final resting place - Puget Sound Navy Base in Bremerton, Wash.

- Dennis O'Brien can be reached at 247-4791 or by e-mail at dobrien@dailypress.com